Magen David Adom’s Wish Ambulance Program realizes the dreams of critically ill children, providing them with the transportation and the support their compromised conditions require. Recently, the dream of one 7-year-old-boy was fulfilled when he was given the chance to captain a navy ship.
When Rafael Yotam Cohen was just 3, MDA’s Wish Program gave him a breathtaking tour of southern Israel on one of its Medevac helicopters. Regrettably, Rafael’s rare cancer has returned for the third time in his young life.
This month, he got the chance to walk in the shoes of his IDF heroes.
“I had a lot of fun and I want to be a captain now,” said Rafael. “I wander around the house all day with the flag I received from the soldiers, like Superman. Thank you all.”
A brand-new wish ambulance was used to transport Rafael and his mother, Ravit. Paramedics Tomer Bar-Levi, Shachar Hezkelevich and Yonat Daskal-Dagan accompanied Rafael on his journey to the navy base in Ashdod.
“I am doubly excited, first for the fulfillment of Rafael Yotam’s wish and second for the launch of the new ambulance,” said Daskal-Dagan, who also accompanied Yotam on his first wish four years ago.
“We were very saddened to hear that Rafael was ill again. We created a special day in order to put a smile on his face, at least for a few moments. I thank the navy for enlisting in the special mission and we wish him a complete recovery and good health,” Daskal-Dagan added.
As part of the special day, Rafael Yotam met the ship’s captain, soldiers and officers of the navy, received an explanation about the ship and its defensive capabilities, and sat in the captain’s chair while driving the ship.
“We are very, very excited and happy that you came to sail with us,” Captain Peleg told Rafael. “Children like you and your families give us the strength to keep going; thank you very much.”
The ambulance includes full intensive care mobile equipment, the first and only electric bed of its kind in Israel adapted for critically ill patients, a place for two staff attendants in addition to the driver, and a special medicine refrigerator. As many as three family members can accompany the patient.
his mother to the Ashdod navy base.
“MDA organized the special day with the navy, which was charming and extraordinary,” remarked Rafael’s mother, Ravit. “The experience was amazing. The soldiers hugged us and were cordial and prepared special gifts for Rafael Yotam. He was happy and excited, and told everyone he met about the experience.”
The Magen David Adom Wish Ambulance Program began in 2009 and has fulfilled thousands of wishes to date.
